Astro Bot, Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth top Golden Joystick Awards nominees, with key indies close behind

The race for Game of the Year remains wide open, with celebrated indies having as much or stronger critical interest than the obvious AAA tentpoles (and the fall calendar shaking up last minute – Assassin’s Creed Shadows was never poised to be The Big One for 2024, but Ubisoft’s decision to punt it to 2025 makes it a non-starter). The nominees for this year’s Golden Joystick Awards, which is going on its 41st year of handing out trophies for the best in gaming, only strengthen the narrative that there is no narrative. It’s anyone’s… uh, game.

Astro Bot, Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth, and Helldivers 2 led the nominees for the Joysticks, which this year celebrates titles released between Nov. 11, 2023 and Oct. 4, 2024, with smaller games like Balatro, Tactical Breach Wizards, and UFO 50 popping up in multiple categories as well. Fan voting is now open for the awards, with the nominees selected by PC Gamer, the Future Games Show, Edge magazine, Retro Gamer, GamesRadar and “a variety of industry experts.” And Dragon Age fans wondering if The Veilguard is getting completely shafted by a weird nomination window, don’t fret: The Joysticks said games released between Oct. 4 and Nov. 21 (the day of the awards) will still be eligible for categories like Best Performance and Ultimate Game of the Year, where the sequel will likely dominate. Like the Golden Globes skirting the Oscars, the Joysticks clearly see opportunity in being first out the gate, while bending the rules to make sure nothing gets lost in the shuffle. Award season!

How indicative are these nominees of a larger Game of the Year wave that eventually informs The Game Awards in December? Among the Golden Joystick Awards nominating jury, only Edge, GamesRadar, and PC Gamer usually contribute to the TGA voting jury, which comprises over 100 outlets from all around the world. So if you are out there rooting for Black Myth Wukong or Metaphor: ReFantazio, it ain’t over yet.

Here is the complete list of nominees for the Golden Joystick Awards. The winners will be announced on Nov. 21.

Best Storytelling

Best Multiplayer Game

Best Visual Design

Best Indie Game

Best Indie Game - Self Published

Still Playing Award - PC and Console

Still Playing Award - Mobile

Studio of the Year

Best Game Expansion

Best Audio Design

Best Soundtrack

Best Lead Performer

Best Supporting Performer

PC Game of the Year

Console Game of the Year

Best Early Access Game

Best Gaming Hardware